Fluorescent fixture

ABSTRACT

An improved fluorescent lighting fixture is provided. The fixture includes a one-piece troffer having a pair of integral side walls extending downwardly from a top portion. Each side wall includes a substantially horizontal shelf containing air vent openings therein. The troffer further includes duct retaining means formed integral with the side walls and adapted to hold air ducts in position to communicate with the air vents. In addition, the troffer includes a first set of latch and hinge pin engaging means adapted to secure a first cover frame in a position so as not to obstruct the air vents and a second set of latch and hinge pin engaging means adapted to secure a second cover frame in a position so as to completely block the vents.

United States Patent [191 Fahbri [451 Sept. 24, 1974 FLUORESCENT FIXTURE [75] Inventor: William C. Fabbri, Billerica, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Keene Corporation, New York,

22 Filed: Aug. 29, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 392,805

[52] US. Cl 240/9 A, 98/40 DL, 240/51.l1 R [51] Int. Cl. F2lv 33/50, F24f 13/02 [58] Field of Search 240/9 R, 9 A, 51.11 R,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,991,708 7/1961 Falk et a1 240/9 A 3,668,998 6/1972 Johnson 240/9 A Primary ExaminerJoseph F. Peters, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kane, Dalsimer, Kane,

Sullivan and Kurucz [5 7 ABSTRACT An improved fluorescent lighting fixture is provided. The fixture includes a one-piece troffer having a pair of integral side walls extending downwardly from a top portion. Each side wall includes a substantially horizontal shelf containing air vent openings therein. The troffer further includes duct retaining means formed integral with the side walls and adapted to hold air ducts in position to communicate with the air vents. In addition, the troffer includes a first set of latch and hinge pin engaging means adapted to secure a first cover frame in a position so as not to obstruct the air vents and a second set of latch and hinge pin engaging means adapted to secure a second cover frame in a position so as to completely block the vents.

6 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PAIENTEBSEPZMQM sum mar 10 PATENTED SEP 2 4 I574- SHEET 02 0F 10 PAll-immsevzmm sum as or PAIENTEnswzmu sum .05 or w sum 0.1 Of 1o FIG.

sgassgzss PATENTED 2 I974 sum as or w FLUORESCENT FIXTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fluorescent lighting fixtures and in particular to an improved fluorescent fixture provided with a universal troffer which can be used in both air and non-air carrying lighting systems.

In many modern lighting installations, the lighting fixtures are adapted to be tied into an air conditioning duct network and provide outlets for the air conditioning system. Such fixtures must be provided with suitable duct retainers to permit the desired connections to the air conditioning system to be made as well as the necessary louvers or other means to control air flow through the system. In many other installations, air conditioning is non-existent or the air conditioning system is completely separate and apart from the lighting system. This is particularly so in older buildings which were constructed prior to the introduction of air carrying lighting systems.

Heretofore, the various manufacturers of fluorescent fixtures produced both air carrying and non-air carrying fixtures for the respective types of installations. While air carrying fixtures could obviously be installed in non-air carrying installations, it was undesirable to do so for several reasons including the increased cost of such fixtures and also because the exposed air outlets would appear unsightly in a non-air carrying installation. As a result, manufacturers, distributors and installers of such fixtures were required to maintain large inventories of the several types of fixtures often resulting in waste and duplication.

Flourescent fixtures of both types described above consist essentially of a troffer and cover. The troffer comprises an inverted, pan-shaped arrangement in which the bulbs, wires and various electrical components are mounted. The cover overlies the open side of the troffer and consists of a frame hingedly secured to the open bottom of the troffer and a diffuser panel which overlies the bulbs. In air carrying installations, the troffer must include suitable provision to enable its being connected to the air conditioning duct work.

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved flourescent fixture utilizing a universal troffer which may be used without modification, and which is fully compatible both aesthetically and mechanically with both air and non-air carrying lighting systems. A further object of the present invention is to provide such a fixture which is economical and can be priced competitive with conventional prior art fixtures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION vided on each shelf between the edges. The troffer further comprises air conditioning duct retaining means formed integral with and extending upward from opposite sides of the shelf. In addition. the troffer includes a first set of latch and hinge pin engaging means adapted to secure a first cover frame in a position so as not to obstruct the air vents and a second set of latch and hinge pin engaging means adapted to secure a second cover frame in a position so as to completely block the vents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixture in accordance with the present invention looking at the fixture positioned in a ceiling of an air carrying installation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view looking down on the fixture from above with the ceiling removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along reference lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the interior of the troffer illustrating the manner of securing the transformer cover in position;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are longitudinal sectional views taken along reference lines 44 of FIG. 2 in the direction indicated by the arrows;

FIGS. 5A and 58 together comprise a bottom elevational view taken along reference lines 5-5 of FIG. 2 in the direction indicated by the arrows;

FIG. 5C is a fragmentary sectional view taken along reference lines 5C5C of FIG. 5A in the direction indicated by the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the cover latching mechanism for the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism for the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along reference lines 8--8 of FIG. 1 in the direction indicated by the arrows;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along reference lines 99 of FIG. 1 in the direction indicated by the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating a non-air carrying fixture in accordance with the present invention installed in a ceiling;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along reference lines llll of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary exploded perspective viewv DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein similar components bear the same reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring to FIG. 1, an air carrying version of the fixture 10 of the present invention is shown installed in a ceiling 12. When viewed from the ground as illustrated,

' the bulk of the exposed fixture comprises a diffuser cover panel 14 which is mounted generally flat, flush with the ceiling. The panel 14 is contained within a frame 16 which is also exposed when viewed from the ground. The frame, in turn, is mounted between rims 18 of the fixture body in a manner to be described forthwith. As shown in phantom, the frame and panel are hingedly secured to the body of the fixture to en able the cover to be opened and remain in position thereby facilitating maintenance of the fixture and the bulbs contained therein.

The frame illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted so that its longitudinal sides 20 are each spaced apart from their associated rims 18 thereby defining an elongated opening 21 between each frame side and rim. The openings 21 are aligned with openings 22 in the fixture body member (shown in FIG. 2) and provide outlets for air conditioning ducts 24 which may be connected to the fixture thus rendering the fixture air carrying as will be described.

The fixture body comprises essentially a troffer 26 to which end plates 28 are secured thereby defining an elongated, inverted pan-shaped member which con tains the bulbs, electrical components and wiring for the complete fixture. As stated previously, it is an important aspect of the present invention that the troffer 26 is a one-piece integral member and is universal in that it can be used to form both air and non-air carrying fixtures.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the troffer 26 comprises a one-piece, elongated member defining a top 30 and side walls 32 and 34. The troffer is formed of sheet steel finished in accordance with conventional painting techniques. The center 36 of the troffer top is indented upwardly defining a well or recess to receive the fixture transformer 37 and electrical wires and connections. To facilitate bench working on the fixture prior to installation and if repairs are necessary, the troffer top is uniquely contoured to render the troffer stable when inverted on a flat surface. Accordingly, the troffer top includes downwardly from edges 38 and 40 toward the indented transformer recess. The recess extends to a height equal to that of edges 38 and 40 so that edges 38 and 40 and the top of the troffer center 36 are aligned so that they would make simultaneous contact with a flat surface.

Referring briefly to FIG. 3A, it can be seen that a plate 42 covers the recess for transformer 37. The cover plate is formed with slots 44 (only one of which is shown) which engage tabs 46 formed in the troffer top 30. The slots and tabs cooperate to form a hinge which prevents the plate from falling if the transformer recess is uncovered when the fixture is suspended. A latching mechanism in the form of additional slots 48 and tabs 50 opposite the recess cover plate hinges serve to lock the plate in position when suspended during normal operation.

Referring still to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the troffer side walls 32 and 34 taper downwardly and outwardly from the troffer top away from each other. At their lower edge, each side wall is bent to extend substantially horizontally defining a shelf 52 formed integral with the side wall which contains the air conditioning outlet openings 22. The shelf openings thus define vents which, as previously described, are designed to serve as outlets for air conditioning ducts 24 secured to the fixture.

The ducts 24 are retained in position partially by upwardly extending guides or lips 54 formed integrally with the shelf and extending the length of the troffer and partially by portions of the side walls. To this end,

the side walls terminate in substantially straight sections 56 which cooperate with lips 54 and 58 in defining tracks or channels to receive the ducts. Clips on the ducts serve to retain the ducts in position. Lips 54 comprise sections of the troffer bent upwardly and then downwardly with the downward portion extending below shelf 52 defining a bulwark 60. The rear bulwark is formed with suitable openings 61 to receive a hinge pin 62 for frame 16. The bottom of the bulwark 60 is bent horizontally and then vertically terminating in free end 63. The horizontal section defines rim l8, previously discussed.

The ends of the troffer are closed by end plates 28 which are provided with suitable tabs 64 to lock in cutouts or holes 66 formed in the troffer top and sides. The end plates are supported by independent braces 68 which extend across the bottom of the troffer inside the end plates. The braces are provided with tabs that engage suitable openings in the bulwark and shelf 52. The brace serves to rigidify the fixture and help maintain the end plates in position.

Each end plate is provided with pockets 70 opened at their top which extend inwardly into the fixture interior as shown in FIG. 3. The pockets serve to receive the locking tabs 72 of a mounting plate 74, one positioned at each end of the fixture. The mountingplates have positioned thereon sockets 76 containing suitable terminals to receive fluorescent bulbs 78. The sockets on the opposed mounting plates are aligned to maintain the bulbs substantially parallel to the sides of the troffer, as shown. The leads for the various sockets extend beneath the mounting plate and are carried to the transformer recess where suitable electrical connections are made to provide electric power to each pair of opposed sockets.

As was previously stated, the troffer is formed with each shelf 52 containing openings 22 therein which serve as vents to provide outlets for the air conditioning network. In order to control the pattern of air emerging from the vents, pattern control blades 80 are provided secured in position beneath shelves 52 on both sides of the fixture. The blades are held in position by clips 82 secured to the shelf and bulwark and adapted to permit the blades to rotate through approximately of are from a first position parallel to the bulwark and completely exposing the vent opening to a second position substantially horizontally beneath the shelf and closing the vent opening. In addition, the blades may take any intermediate position such as the approximate center position illustrated in FIG. 5C.

The top of the fixture is provided with louvered openings 84 through which heat generated by the bulbs can escape. To further effect cooling, in air carrying systems, openings are provided in the end sections (FIG. 4A) of the troffer to permit cool room air to enter the fixture and flow through the louvers when a negative static pressure is present in the ceiling plenum.

In order to hold the frame to the housing, a latch assembly 86 is provided at each corner on one side of the fixture and a hinge is provided at each corner on the opposite side. The latch assembly 86 is depicted in FIGS. 6 and 8. The hinge 62 which was previously described briefly, is shown in detail in FIGS. 7 and 9. The latch assembly comprises a latch plate 88 connected to a key 90 which rides in a slot 92 affixed to bracket which, in turn, is screwed to the frame. The latch plate extends through an opening 94 at a corner of shelf 52 adjacent the inner edge of the shelf. A spring 96 urges the latch plate forward so that a tongue portion 98 engages the surfaces of shelf 52 surrounding opening 94. A lever is connected to the latch plate. When the lever 100 is moved rearwardly, tongue 98 disengages the surfaces of shelf 52 surrounding opening 94 and permits the latch plate to drop through the opening so that the fixture may be opened as shown in phantom in FIG. 1. Unless a force is exerted on lever 100, the spring 96 serves to urge the latch plate forwardly so that the tongue engages the surfaces defining the housing. It is important to note that the outermost edge 107 of frame 16 is spaced almost the entire width of shelf 52 apart from the bulwark 60 when the frame is in latched condition (see FIG. 8). This insures the unobstructed flow of air from the shelf vent openings 22 on the latch side of the frame in air carrying installations.

The hinge assembly 62 comprises a hinge pin 102 mounted to bracket 104 which, in turn, is screwed to the frame. The bulwark portion of the troffer is provided with an opening 106 at each corner through which a keyed portion 103 of the hinge pin passes. As shown in FIG. 7, the keyed portion 103 of the hinge is offset from bracket 104 by two horizontal sections of the hinge 105 and 107 respectively. The horizontal sections serve to space the outer edge 109 of the frame apart from the bulwark 60 by almost the entire width of the shelf when the frame is in the latched condition. As with the design of the latch mechanism, this arrangement insures the unobstructed flow of air from the shelf vent openings 22 on the hinge side of the frame in air carrying installations.

As previously noted, both the latch of FIG. 6 and hinge of FIG. 7 are carried by brackets 95 and 104 respectively. The brackets, in turn, are held by a single screw to a corner of the frame and may be mounted to either side of the frame depending on which way it is desirable to have the fixture opened. In addition, the position of the brackets is such as to reinforce the frame.

An alternate cover assembly is depicted in FIGS. 10-14. The alternate cover assembly 108 is designed for non-air carrying installations and, accordingly, as will be described forthwith, the cover frame extends under the troffer shelf substantially to the troffer rim 18 so as to block the air vents in the shelf and not render them visible when viewed from below. As before, the cover assembly comprises a diffuser panel 110 positioned within a frame 112. Unlike the previous frame 16 which terminated short of the troffer air outlet openings 22, the frame 112 includes portions (generally designated 114 on the latch side and 116 on the hinge side) which extend under the shelf 52 up to the bulwark 60 so as to block the vent openings in the shelf on both sides of the fixture as shown in FIG. 11. Frame 112 is provided with a latch 118 comprising a slidable member 120 overlying the front portion of frame 112 and including an upstanding latch plate 122. Member 120 is connected to the frame by tab 124 which rides in slot 126 with sufficient play to permit the latch plate to shift back and forth somewhat. A biasing spring 128 urges the latch plate forwardly where the plate tongue 132 engages a cutout 130 in the troffer shelf 52 in a manner such that tongue 132 of the plate overlies portions of the shelf thereby securing the frame in position.

A lever 134 affixed to member 120 extends below the frame and movement of the lever produces a corresponding movement of plate 122. Accordingly, if lever 134 is moved rearwardly, the member and hence latch plate 122 moves rearwardly until tongue 132 disengages the shelf thereby unlocking the frame. As before, a pair of latch assemblies are provided, one at each corner on one side of the fixture.

As before, the frame, is provided with a hinge assembly at each corner opposite the latch assemblies. The hinge comprises a tab 136 at each end of frame portion 1 16. The tabs each engage a channel 137 formed in the side plates which serves to receive the tabs.

Thus, whereas the first frame embodiment leaves the troffer vents free and exposed to enable air to escape therethrough, the second frame embodiment includes portions which overlie and conceal the vents so that a casual observer from below would not be able to detect their pressure. In this manner, the same troffer can be used for both air and non-air systems with the installation appearing complete and tailor made for that particular use.

Having thus described the invention, What is claimed 1. In a fluorescent lighting fixture of the type having a troffer and at least one socket set mounted in said troffer to support a lamp therebetween, the'improvement wherein said troffer comprises a one-piece elongated unitary member having: a top portion; side walls depending from opposite sides of said top portion; a shelf extending from and formed integral with the bottom of each of said side walls, said shelves being generally horizontally disposed and extending for the length of said troffer; each of said shelves having an inward edge directed toward the other shelf, an outward edge and surfaces defining at least one opening positioned between said edges; and duct retaining means positioned on opposite sides of each of said shelves, said duct retaining means defined by a generally vertical section of said side wall extending upwardly from said shelf inward edge and a generally vertical lip extending upwardly from the outward edge of said shelf.

2. The fixture in accordance with claim 1 wherein said troffer further includes: a rim spaced outward of each of said shelves and a first set of hinge receiving means and latch receiving means disposed to receive a first cover frame provided with hinge and latch means and adapted to support said first cover frame apart from said rims sufficiently so as not to block said shelf openings.

3. The fixture in accordance with claim 1 further comprising: a diffuser blade mounted for rotation beneath said shelf between a first position underlying and blocking said opening to a second position perpendicular to said shelf; and clip means for supporting said blade in position.

4. In a fluorescent lighting fixture of the type having a troffer and at least one socket set mounted in said troffer to support a lamp therebetween, the improvement wherein said troffer comprises a one-piece elongated unitary member having: a top portion; side walls depending from opposite sides of said top portion; a shelf extending from and formed integral with the bottom of each of said side walls, said shelves being generally horizontally disposed and extending for the length of said troffer; each of said shelves having an inward edge directed toward the other shelf, an outward edge and surfaces defining at least one opening positioned between said edges; duct retaining means positioned on opposite sides of each of said shelves; a rim spaced outward of each of said shelves and a first set of hinge receiving means and latch receiving means disposed to receive a first cover frame provided with hinge and latch means and adapted to support said first cover frame apart from said rims sufficiently so as not to block said shelf openings; and a second set of hinge receiving means and latch receiving means disposed to receive a second cover frame provided with hinge and latch means and adapted to support said second cover frame substantially adjacent to said rims so as to block said shelf openings.

5. In a fluorescent lighting fixture of the type having a troffer and at least one socket set mounted in said troffer to support a lamp therebetween, the improvement wherein said troffer comprises a one-piece elongated unitary member having: a top portion; side walls depending from opposite sides of said top portion; a shelf extending from and formed integral with the bottom of each of said side walls, said shelves being generally horizontally disposed and extending for the length of said troffer; each of said shelves having an inward edge directed toward the other shelf, an outward edge and surfaces defining at least one opening positioned between said edges; duct retaining means positioned on opposite sides of each of said shelves; end plates positioned at opposite ends of said troffer and extending from side wall to side wall, means for securing said end plates to said troffer and brace means for rigidifying said troffer, said brace means comprising elongated members abutting said end plates and secured at its ends to said troffer.

6. In a fluorescent lighting fixture of the type having a troffer and at least one socket set mounted in said troffer to support a lamp therebetween, the improvement wherein said troffer comprises a one-piece elongated unitary member having: a top portion; side walls depending from opposite sides of said top portion; a shelf extending from and formed integral with the bottom of each of said side walls, said shelves being generally horizontally disposed and extending for the length of said troffer; each of said shelves having an inward edge directed toward the other shelf, an outward edge and surfaces defining at least one opening positioned between said edges; duct retaining means positioned on opposite sides of each of said shelves; a center section of said troffer indented upwardly from a base, a top edge of each of said side walls disposed at substantially the same height as said center section, and said top portion tapers downwardly toward said center section base from both said side wall top edges. 

1. In a fluorescent lighting fixture of the type having a troffer and at least one socket set mounted in said troffer to support a lamp therebetween, the improvement wherein said troffer comprises a one-piece elongated unitary member having: a top portion; side walls depending from opposite sides of said top portion; a shelf extending from and formed integral with the bottom of each of said side walls, said shelves being generally horizontally disposed and extending for the length of said troffer; each of said shelves having an inward edge directed toward the other shelf, an outward edge and surfaces defining at least one opening positioned between said edges; and duct retaining means positioned on opposite sides of each of said shelves, said duct retaining means defined by a generally vertical section of said side wall extending upwardly from said shelf inward edge and a generally vertical lip extending upwardly from the outward edge of said shelf.
 2. The fixture in accordance with claim 1 wherein said troffer further includes: a rim spaced outward of each of said shelves and a first set of hinge receiving means and latch receiving means disposed to receive a first cover frame provided with hinge and latch means and adapted to support said first cover frame apart from said rims sufficiently so as not to block said shelf openings.
 3. The fixture in accordance with claim 1 further comprising: a diffuser blade mounted for rotation beneath said shelf between a first position underlying and blocking said opening to a second position perpendicular to said shelf; and clip means for supporting said blade in position.
 4. In a fluorescent lighting fixture of the type having a troffer and at least one socket set mounted in said troffer to support a lamp therebetween, the improvement wherein said troffer comprises a one-piece elongated unitary member having: a top portion; side walls depending from opposite sides of said top portion; a shelf extending from and formed integral with the bottom of each of said side walls, said shelves being generally horizontally disposed and extending for the length of said troffer; each of said shelves having an inward edge directed toward the other shelf, an outward edge and surfaces defining at least one opening positioned between said edges; duct retaining means positioned on opposite sides of each of said shelves; a rim spaced outward of each of said shelves and a first set of hinge receiving means and latch receiving means disposed to receive a first cover frame provided with hinge and latch means and adapted to support said first cover frame apart from said rims sufficiently so as not to block said shelf openings; and a second set of hinge receiving means and latch receiving means disposed to receive a second cover frame provided with hinge and latch means and adapted to support said second cover frame substantially adjacent to said rims so as to block said shelf openings.
 5. In a fluorescent lighting fixture of the type having a troffer and at least one socket set mounted in said troffer to support a lamp therebetween, the improvement wherein said troffer comprises a one-piece elongated unitary member having: a top portion; side walls depending from opposite sides of said top portion; a shelf extending from and formed integral with the bottom of each of said side walls, said shelves being generally horizontally disposed and extending for the length of said troffer; each of said shelves having an inward edge directed toward the other shelf, an outward edge and surfaces defining at least one opening positioned between said edges; duct retaining means positioned on opposite sides of each of said shelves; end plates positioned at opposite ends of said troffer and extending from side wall to side wall, means for securing said end plates to said troffer and brace means for rigidifying said troffer, said brace means comprising elongated members abutting said end plates and secured at its ends to said troffer.
 6. In a fluorescent lighting fixture of the type having a troffer and at least one socket set mounted in said troffer to support a lamp therebetween, the improvement wherein said troffer comprises a one-piece elongated unitary member having: a top portion; side walls depending from opposite sides of said top portion; a shelf extending from and formed integral with the bottom of each of said side walls, said shelves being generally horizontally disposed and extending for the length of said troffer; each of said shelves havIng an inward edge directed toward the other shelf, an outward edge and surfaces defining at least one opening positioned between said edges; duct retaining means positioned on opposite sides of each of said shelves; a center section of said troffer indented upwardly from a base, a top edge of each of said side walls disposed at substantially the same height as said center section, and said top portion tapers downwardly toward said center section base from both said side wall top edges. 